Historical Society of
Penney Farms
The Historical Society of Penney Farms collects, preserves, researches, and interprets the history of Penney Farms. Our collections are held in trust for the use and education of the public. They are primarily composed of documentary and archival materials with a focus on J.C. Penney, the community, its people, places, and events. Information at the TOWN OF PENNEY FARMS HISTORIC MUSEUM is available through publications, programs, and exhibits.
Education
Research
History
Welcome To Historical Society of Penney Farms
Our Mission
The Historical Society of Penney Farms was organized to educate the community about the rich and dynamic history of Penney Farms, which was founded in 1926. The society collects, preserves and displays printed materials of historical value and facilitates educational and historical events. The Historical Society of Penney Farms is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Educating our community
In 1926, department store pioneer J. C. Penney founded the community of Penney Farms. He planned to develop an experimental farming village. The state of Florida incorporated the town in 1927. The real estate decline and stock market crash caused Penney to scale back his ambitions to a community for retired ministers in honor of his father.
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Whether you have a question about the Historical Society of Penney Farms or the Town of Penney Farms Historic Museum we are ready to answer all your questions. Contact Historical Society of Penney Farms.
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WHAT MAKES PENNEY FARMS SPECIAL
Legacy
In 2027 the Town of Penney Farms will mark its 100th anniversary and the “Golden Rule” foundation is what makes it special.
Size
Penney Farms is a rural township in N. E. Florida along the lovely tree canopied State Road 16.
With a population of nearly 900, of which over 500 are residents of Penney Retirement Community, the town has a unique and remarkably interesting history.
History
In 1922 one hundred and twenty thousand acres of unincorporated land was purchased by James Cash Penney, owner of the Golden Rule Stores later known as J. C. Penney Stores. His vision was to develop an experimental farming community and a utopian village on this land.
Couples who were qualified got 40 acres of land per family to clear, till, plant crops and raise livestock. After two years of farming, that land would become their land to keep. Associates of Mr. Penney provided training for these new Florida homesteaders.
Additionally, Mr. Penney built the Memorial Home, in honor of his minister father, for other ministers and people in the Lord’s service who retired with few financial resources.
Penney Farms Today
The homesteaded farms are now gone but former youngsters, now seniors, and descendants from those days, anxious to preserve and share their stories, still live in Penney Farms and the surrounding area.
Located on the Penney Farms Scenic Highway, the location is ideal to attract visitors and share the “Golden Rule” legacy: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Historic Museum
NOW OPEN
Please Come see what the newest addition to Clay County, Florida Historic Tourism has to offer.
Located in the old Penney Farms Volunteer Fire Department building at 4100 Clark Ave., Penney Farms, Florida 32079
Now Open Tuesday and Thursday, 10 AM – 12 Noon
For more information, please call during regular hours (904) 742-1344 or Town Hall (904) 529-9078.
Get Involved
Your support helps us continue to preserve the rich history of Penney Farms for future generations and provide fun and educational programs to the community. As a member you receive the benefits of museum exhibits and activities, historical photographs and archives, and more importantly, you will be proud to know you support our mission to keep our history alive, preserved, and treasured by all.
Historical Society of Penney Farms
Elected Officers
Historical Society of Penney Farms 2026-2027
President – Mark Davies
VP – Chuck Schwarz
Secretary – Cathie Parrott
Treasurer – Mary Stafford
Advisory Board: John Bowles, Tom DeVille, Town of Penney Farms Town Manager and Staff
Address
4100 Clark Avenue, P.O. Box 1041
Penney Farms, Florida 32079
Get Directions
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Museum Hours
Call ahead at least a day prior to your visit and leave a call back number to schedule a tour of the museum (904) 742-1344.